Draniki

Potato pancakes

Oh yes. Where would the Belarusians be without Draniki?  However there is a belief that in Belarus Draniki appeared under the influence of German culinary traditions.  This is the proof.

First recipe of draniki was documented by a Polish chef Ian Shytler in 1830. Shytlers book was titled «Good educated cook.» In this edition, the author described pancakes from potato, the recipe which he had borrowed from German cuisine.

Shytler’s book was very popular and has withstood many editions, which contributed to the spread of Draniki’s recipe.  Similar dishes can be found in many countries around the world but, under different names i.e.  Czech — bramboraki, Ukraine -Deruni, Germany – Kartoffelpuffer and in the United States — Hash Browns so, Belarusians, travel and compare whose draniki are better.

In Belarus, Draniki, traditionally was served for breakfast. In the villages there was an interesting tradition before actually eating this dish it was desirable to eat a piece or crust of Black bread.

The best condiment to be served with Draniki is, fresh homemade Smetana (sour cream).

 One other way of serving the dish is in an ovenproof clay pot, when the Draniki is cooked place in the pot and then add a homemade sausage, sliced onion, sliced carrots, mushrooms and cream.

To prepare traditional Belarusian Draniki  is quick and easy.

Ingredients:

  • 6 potatoes
  • 1 onion
  • Salt, to taste
  •  oil for frying.
  • Peel the potatoes, wash and finely grate together with the onion add salt and mix.

To cook, heat the oil in a frying pan and spoon in the mixture for the portions required, brown on both sides, when cooked serve immediately. This is the basic recipe. Next — your imagination and a matter of taste.

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